Longtime Umatilla County Fair volunteers Mel and Jerrie Keely will serve as grand marshals for the 2024 event.

Over the years, the Hermiston couple have been involved with Future Farmers of America and 4-H. In addition, Mel served on the fair board for 10 years.

In a press release, Fair Manager Angie McNalley said the Keelys maintain a “permanent presence” in the fair barns. In addition, she said they pitch in where help is needed, whether it’s driving a tractor or cutting up watermelons for the seed-spitting contest.

“Their years of community involvement continues with their grandkids because their fair dedication is something that they have passed along and something that they cherish and share with their entire family,” McNalley said. “You have probably seen them working in the heat with one or two of their grandkids hanging sponsor banners on the fences before the fair, or maybe taking them down afterwards.”

The announcement of the Keelys as the grand marshals came Jan. 27 during the annual Fair Appreciation Dinner at the Eastern Oregon Trade and Event Center, Hermiston. In addition, the fair board also honored the following:

Volunteers of the year

Mike Cutburth and Kris Bennett are the fair’s male and female volunteers of the year.

Cutburth joined the fair board in April and has been a leader of the fair before that.

Bennett is known for exceptional organizational skills and brings hospitality experience to the fair.

Business partnership award

In addition to sponsorship over the years, Rogers Toyota of Hermiston has a reputation for fostering a culture of volunteerism with its employees.

Rogers Toyota stepped up in 2020, providing financial support for the fair’s Youth Livestock Auction even when the rest of the fair was shut down because of the global pandemic.

In addition, the dealership has provided vehicles to escort dignitaries during the UCF Kick-off Parade and for transporting stage entertainers and performers.

Special fair board recognition

The fair board recognized the Hermiston Rotary Club for its partnership that has spanned many years.

Its members have spent countless hours in the summer heat scanning and selling admission tickets.